Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
From Austin, Texas, emerges a true grain-to-glass craft distillery in Still Austin Whiskey Co., the first of its kind to open in Austin since the end of Prohibition. Still Austin was founded in 2015 and utilizes hand-crafted grains from local farmers who focus on sustainability, conservation, and energy efficiency.
Still Austin Cask Strength Rye Whiskey is the new version of the company’s “The Artist,” their San Francisco World Spirits Competitions Double Gold-winning rye, originally released in fall of 2022.
This is the second cask strength whiskey from Still Austin Whiskey Co., and with this bottling the distillery celebrates the rich creative spirit of Austin with a beautiful label designed with custom artwork by Texas-local Marc Burckhardt. Still Austin Cask Strength was created in part by Master Blender Nancy “The Nose” Fraley, pulling from barrels from the flagship “The Artist” release, blending and bottling the whiskey at the original proof of the aged spirit. Of this expression, Fraley says, “Words cannot adequately convey just how exceptional I think the first release of this product is coming out the door.”
Still Austin Whiskey Co. proudly flaunts “living the Still Life,” described as committing to the creative process within the creation of their spirits, with a dedication to the advocacy of local artistic endeavors. As far as the distillery goes, Still Austin journeyed to Forsyth in Scotland to commission “Nancy,” a 42-foot column still that is also use for the initial distillation of the company’s gin. Another in the step of grain to glass and back to grain, the “stillage,” grain mixture left after distillation, is sent back to farmers for feeding their livestock.
Another interesting element of the creation of Still Austin Whiskey is the utilization of élevage, which the distillers describe as “the meticulous practice that uses a slow-water reduction technique to extract flavors from charred oak. While the barrels endure the wild swings of Texas weather, we add a little water each month to bring more ‘mature’ notes, like vanilla and caramel to the forefront.”
Tasting Notes: Still Austin Cask Strength Rye Whiskey
Vital Stats: Mash bill is 100% Texas-grown Rye. 58% ABV (116 Proof). SRP $65/750 mL.
Appearance: The burnt orange of a fiery sunset.
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Nose: Elegant and rich aromas of crystalized ginger and cherry almond pastry, some earthy, grassy elements emerge after a few minutes.
Palate: Oooh yum. I was thrilled at the first taste, met with peach and ginger notes, complemented by elements of citrus, but more like lemonade, summery and young, with baking spices on the medium finish.
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